Notes 42 of 73

Object 9

Recording of Body Temperature

Theory:
Body temperature is basically a measurement warm and cold. It represents a balance
between two things: the amount of heat body produce and the heat body lose.
If the body temperature is too high, sweating increases loss of body heat by evaporation,
the blood vessels dilate and allow body heat to radiate and metabolic rate and muscle
activity are decreased so that less body heat is produced. All of the processes can be
reversed if more body heat is needed.

• The normal oral temperature is 98.2°F ± 1.2°F.

• A normal oral temperature would then be anywhere from 97°F to 99.4°F.

• A normal rectal temperature is defined as 99.6° F ±1°F.

• A normal rectal temperature would then be 98.6°F to 100.6°F.

• If working in a clinical setting where the body temperature is measured and recorded
using the Celsius system.

• Temperature of 36.8°C ± 0.7 ° A normal rectal temperature would be 37.5 °C ± 0.7 °.

• Normal temperatures in the Celsius system would then be 36.1°C - 37.5°C, orally and
36.8°C - 38.2°C.
Requirement:
Thermometer:
It is a instrument for measuring temperature, which is a sealed glass tube that contains a
column of liquid, as mercury, that rises and falls, with temperature changes, the temperature
being read where the top of the column coincides with a calibrated scale marked on the tube
or its frame.
Methods to Measure Body Temperature:
Method 1:
Oral Temperature:
Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after the patient has eaten or drink. Place the thermometer
in the patient’s mouth under the tongue and instruct the patient to close his/her mouth
tightly, then see the temperature level and record it. Oral temperatures are lower than core
temperatures, and they are usually lower than rectal temperatures.

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Human Anatomy & Physiology - II (Practical) Recording of Body Temperature